VEE PREVIEW

A Visionary Approach to Optical

A preview of next month’s Vision Expo

attendees of International Vision Expo East (VEE), to be held March 19 to 22 at the Javits Center in New York City, will find a revised show floor and new education initiatives planned to enhance their experience. This year’s VEE tagline is, “Visionaries in Education, Fashion and Technology.” And, once again, it will present an education program featuring more than 330 hours of CE credits and an exhibit space that will house exhibitors from around the globe showcasing the latest in optical products and medical technology, as well as contests, celebrity appearances, fashion shows, and more.

On the show floor, changes include The Galleria and The Underground (housing fashion-forward collections from around the world) being elevated to a new exhibit area on level three. A Technology Theater opens on level one where attendees can take advantage of the Retail and Wearable Technology tracks of education and special “Tech Talks.” The Social Media Zone remains a hub to monitor what’s trending at the conference, and the Medical & Scientific Theater hosts supplier-endorsed, free education courses focused on clinical topics.

On the following pages we present a preview of what show attendees can expect, from specific promotions and demonstrations at booths to CE and other programming highlights.

To register and for a full schedule of CE, exhibitor listings, floor maps, and a guide to all the special events and parties, visit visionexpoeast.com.

What’s Happening in the Booths

1 A&A OPTICAL

Stop by the A&A Optical booth to catch a glimpse of new show-stopping eyewear styles from Jimmy Crystal New York, Alexander Collection, XXL, Cruz, Jalapenos, Pez, and new collections SeventyOne and Crocs Eyewear.

BOOTH: 3834

INFO: aaopticalco.com

2 AIT

Two promotions will be happening at the booth: 4.99% financing and a free airMAX wet edger air purification system with any new edging system purchase, and a free Applanation tonometer with any full ophthalmic exam lane purchase.

BOOTH: 7041

INFO: aitindustries.com

3 ALTERNATIVE EYEWEAR

Come see great new clip-on designs in the ClipTech line and fun summer sunglass styles from OneSun. All qualified purchases and orders will receive a cash gift card.

BOOTH: 3775

INFO: alternativeeyes.com

4 ASPIRE EYEWEAR

Introducing Aspire, the next generation in eyewear. Incorporating the latest in technology, advanced materials, and fashion, Aspire Eyewear is a colorfully captivating collection for today’s men and women.

BOOTH: G5734

INFO: aspireeyewear.com

5 BEST IMAGE OPTICAL, INC.

Find out how you can protect your profession, profits, and business by partnering with Best Image Optical, a truly independent and Internet-free eyewear company.

BOOTH: 4403

INFO: bestImageoptical.com

6 BRIOT USA

Briot, a divison of Luneau Technology, will be showcasing the newest technology from Visionix, the VX 120. Stop by the booth for special offers for the Visionix VX 55 phoropter tablet device, free giveaway items, edging system specials, and special financing.

BOOTH: 7145

INFO: briot.com/usa

7 CLEARVISION OPTICAL

ClearVision introduces the latest designs from brands like BCBGMAXAZRIA, Cole Haan, and IZOD, plus a preview of its latest innovation in dilli dalli pediatric eyewear.

BOOTH: 4521

INFO: cvoptical.com

8 COBURN TECHNOLOGIES

New additions to the diagnostic, coating, surfacing lines will be displayed: the Huvitz Ltd., the HOM-700 advanced surgical microscope, the SGX Pro tabletop generator, and the new Pinnacle Lite Polish. Also, a one-of-a-kind, specially designed edger will be on sale.

BOOTH: 7519

INFO: coburntechnologies.com

9 COSTA

Register at the booth to win a pair of Costa Rx sunglasses. Also, buy any combination of 12 pairs of Costa 580 or 400 sunglasses, get a free pair of sunglasses up to $149 retail value. Buy any combination of 20 pairs of Costa 580 or 400 sunglasses, get a pair of sunglasses up to $279 retail value.

BOOTH: 4302

INFO: costadelmar.com

10 ESSILOR OF AMERICA

Come see all the consumer advertising planned for Varilux, Xperio UV, Crizal, and Transitions. The new Varilux line and Xperio UV colors will also be featured, as well as demonstrations of the latest in dispensing technology with Visioffce and M’EyeFit.

BOOTH: 7235

INFO: essilor.com

11 ESSILOR INSTRUMENTS USA

Stop by to see the latest technology in action. Lens engraving demos with the Mr. Blue 2.0 finishing system, non-contact tracing with INESS T, as well as the digital measuring device M’Eye Fit mirror.

BOOTH: 7135

INFO: essilorinstrumentsusa.com

12 FGX INTERNATIONAL

Corinne McCormack introduces a Sun Rx collection for spring 2015. The debut collection incorporates several iconic elements from the brand’s ophthalmic frame line including Corinne’s exclusive leopard pattern zyl and jewelry-inspired “X” seen in the Expressway collection.

BOOTH: 4335

INFO: 800-480-4846

13 HILCO

Leader Rx Sunglasses are Hilco’s smart optical solution to price barriers and optical limitations of 8-base wrap sunglasses. It’s a combination of sporty wrap styling, affordable pricing, and superior optics. The 6-base lens adapter accommodates standard lens processing for hassle-free glazing.

BOOTH: 4621

INFO: hilco.com

14 HOYA

HOYA DF and the Avantek Mounting System will be launching their new Carbon Fiber and TR90 frame designs at the show, so stop by to see actual samples. HOYA DF and Avantek won Best New Product awards at Vision Expo East in 2012 and 2014.

BOOTH: 7103

INFO: thehoyafreeformcompany.com

15 L’AMY AMERICA

Its latest style, the Nicole Miller Tomkins sunglass, embodies a vintage feel with retro shape and vintage modern colors that is easy to wear and glamorous.

BOOTH: 3834

INFO: lamyamerica.com

16 LEYBOLD OPTICS USA

The Leybold Optics group of Buhler is showcasing the Boxer 900, offering labs unprecedented productivity for the investment, and a compact sputter coater (STAR) with many new innovations improving upon current offerings in this market segment.

BOOTH: 7555

INFO: leyboldoptics.com

17 LIVE EYEWEAR

New Cocoons Fitover (OTG) Goggles feature an anti-fog, dual-lens design to deliver exceptional clarity and performance in cold weather conditions. Visit the booth for exclusive Vision Expo specials!

BOOTH: 4409

INFO: cocoonseyewear.com

18 LUXOTTICA

Luxottica launches the Michael Kors Spring 2015 eyewear collection that includes sleek cat-eye shapes to cool, classic aviators and bold, screen-siren geometrics, each designed with the designer’s signature jet-set sensibility.

BOOTH: 3853

INFO: luxottica.com

19 MARCHON EYEWEAR

Stop by the Marchon Eyewear booth to see the new Flexon Sun Collection, the first memory metal sunwear entirely equipped with PolarRepel lenses. The collection is exclusively developed with ZEISS.

BOOTH: 4653

INFO: marchon.com

20 MARCOLIN

Ermenegildo Zegna presents its new eyewear collection, produced and distributed for the first time by the Marcolin Group. The new pieces perfectly embody the aesthetic principles of the brand, exalting its pursuit of excellence and innovative spirit.

BOOTH: 3534

INFO: marcolin.com

21 MATCH EYEWEAR

Visit Match’s new space, center floor, and to see how easy it is to order your best-selling Adrienne Vittadini, Danny Gokey, AV Studio, Helium, Float Kids, and Aero styles on the new Match Eyewear website, launching March 2015.

BOOTH: 3820

INFO: matcheyewear.com

22 MOREL

Inspired by the Chloris grass, this Koali new concept for 2015 echoes the movement of the plant by colorfully playing with light and depth.

BOOTH: G5443

INFO: morel-france.com

23 NATIONAL OPTRONICS

Come see National Optronics’ sleek “X Line” of finishing equipment featuring the 7Ex edger, 3Bx blocker, and 4Tx. The 7Ex edger features drilling and grooving technique that eliminates unnecessary tool changes between processes.

BOOTH: 7121

INFO: nationaloptronics.com

24 OGI EYEWEAR

Innotec presents an innovative new style to the Elements Collection, the Shaw. This P3 inspired shape combines sleek German Wagner stainless steel and smooth matte Swiss TR-90 for a modern look. It features a distinguished key hole bridge and a flattering round lens shape.

BOOTH: G5727

INFO: innoteceyewear.com

25 OPTEK INTERNATIONAL

Optek International will be demonstrating its complete surfacing lab system, OASIS MAX. Also featured will be the exciting new Shape lens finishing center and several Topcon edger models. Special show pricing will be available.

BOOTH: 7227

INFO: optekinternational.com

26 OPTIKAM TECH, INC.

Experience the OptikamPad, the unique electronic dispensing solution that helps bring your practice to the next level. Get a Canon SX130 Camera with each purchase of the OptikamPad.

BOOTH: 7028

INFO: optikam.com

27 PLAN “B” EYEWEAR

Come see what’s hot for 2015 in the Glacée collection and see the brand new luxury men’s line, Staag Spectacles. All qualified purchases and orders will receive a cash gift card.

BOOTH: 3775

INFO: planbeyewear.com

28 RUDY PROJECT

Rudy Project has once again revolutionized the world of unbreakable sport lenses with the next generation of ImpactX-2 lenses. See them and be stunned.

BOOTH: By appointment only.
Call Kenny Cox at: 949-370-3117, kcox@gorace.pro

INFO: rudyprojectusa.com

29 SAFILO

Safilo USA will preview the Kids by Safilo collection, which is aimed at the complex and specific needs of children and is based on a medical-scientific approach related to all aspects of proper fit, performance and aesthetics.

BOOTH: 3548

INFO: safilo.com

30 SANTINELI INTERNATIONAL

The finalists of Santinelli’s second annual “Think Outside the Box-Edge” custom lens design contest will be on display. Come see what can be created with the ME Lens Edger.

BOOTH: 7321

INFO: santinelli.com

31 SCHNEIDER OPTICAL

Schneider Optical Machines will have its All-in-One Digital Surfacing lab set up at its booth for all attendees to see. This complete unit allows you to surface both free-form and traditional lenses in one, easy-to-use machine with non-alloy blocking and a 3’x6’ footprint and.

BOOTH: 7369

INFO: schneider-om.com

32 SEIKO EYEWEAR

Come learn about free-form progressive (back-surfaced with wider fields) and single-vision lenses in all popular materials, as well as Seiko Titanium frames. New this year is the women’s Flex Action titanium frames.

BOOTH: 7303

INFO: seikoeyewear.com

33 SERENGETI

Serengeti Spin to Win celebrates the launch of the refreshed Sport Collection. Serengeti is giving away sunglasses and Rx vouchers at the top of the hour, from 11a.m. to 4 p.m.—stop by for a chance to win.

BOOTH: 4735

INFO: serengeti-eyewear.com

34 SHAMIR INSIGHT

Learn all about Shamir’s new proprietary AR Coating, Glacier PLUS UV. Inspired by the unique and impressive qualities of a glacier, this premium anti-reflective coating helps patients look their best, see their best, and feel safe.

BOOTH: 7535

INFO: shamirlens.com

35 SIGNET ARMORLITE

Stop by to hear how the KODAK Clean’N’CleAR UV Lens takes eyecare protection to a new level with an E-SPF rating of 25. Check out the latest upgrades in anti-reflective coatings and more.

BOOTH: 7115

INFO: signetarmorlite.com

36 SMITH

The Elise is launching at Vision Expo East. The unique drop bridge and keyway nose detailing beautifully accent its round lens shape, while luxurious acetate materials bring the perfect touch of style and color. Premium spring hinges and beautiful wire-core temples ensure all-day comfort in a piece with style in spades.

BOOTH: 3566

INFO: smithoptics.com

37 SPY

Stop by SPY’s booth to check out a touch of flair and strong lines. Fashioned from handmade acetate with spring hinges, the Weston is a classic shape fit for any face.

BOOTH: 4368

INFO: spyoptic.com

38 SUPER SYSTEMS OPTICAL TECHNOLOGIES

FastGrind is excited to announce they will be offering free pairs of ADDvantage HD progressive lenses to attendees who pre-register with Super Systems and attend a live demonstration of the FastGrind system. To pre-register for a demonstration, email Jennifer@superoptical.com.

BOOTH: 7558

INFO: superoptical.com

39 VANNI EYEWEAR

Visit the new Vanni Eyewear booth and view the latest and creative approaches to merchandising your stores with Vanni optical for 2015.

BOOTH: G5647

INFO: mydesigngallery.com

40 VSP OPTICS GROUP

Stop by and meet otto. Representatives will demonstrate the beam—otto’s patented measurement technology—and other features, such as order processing, OfficeMate integration, and more.

BOOTH: 4724

INFO: vspopticsgroup.com

41 WESTGROUPE

WestGroupe’s style F-3529 from its Fysh UK collection is a semi-rimless stainless steel style with a holographic 3D effect. Available in four fabulous metallic colors, this style comes in size 51-18-140.

BOOTH: 3621

INFO: westgroupe.com

42 WILEY-X

Wiley X, Inc., has launched a completely new line of Rx-Ready Youth Force Sports Protective Eyewear models for 2015, providing a range of frame sizes, styles, and colors to meet the needs of young athletes. All Youth Force glasses can quickly change from spectacles to goggles.

BOOTH: 3921

INFO: wileyx.com

43 YOUNGER OPTICS

Celebrate 60 years with Younger Optics and learn about its latest lens innovations: NuPolar Gradients, Transitions Signature FT28 in polycarbonate, Transitions Drivewear in Trilogy Trivex, and Transitions XTRActive in brown!

BOOTH: 7155

INFO: youngeroptics.com

CE GOES HIGH-TECH

Attendees will notice something new about many of the courses at Vision Expo East. A new approach called crowd-sourced learning increases classroom collaboration as students steer the conversation using interactive technologies to suggest speaker topics and hone in on desired information.

Other education highlights include:

• A Retail education track will provide a fresh perspective on growing a brand, and a Spectacle Lens Expert Track provides expert level education all lenses and materials available in the marketplace.

• The Technology Theater (booth 7876 on Level 1) will host a variety of sponsored programs on the latest products including:

• A New Medical-Scientific Approach to Children’s Optical Frames session by Safilo, Saturday at 1:30 p.m. Free.

• A Global Contact Lens Forum offering six hours of programs of scientific information and business strategies. Free.

• An enhanced medical track includes new ocular wellness and sports vision tracks, as well as imaging technology, and glaucoma.

• A Spotlight series offers early morning and lunchtime sessions on relevant and business topics, including:

• “More Than Meets the Eye: The Evolution in Eyecare, Retail, and Customer Service,” Friday, 1:30 p.m., led by retail market researcher Paco Underhill.

• “State of the Optical Industry Address,” Friday, 7:15 a.m., led by leading O.D.s and optical executives.

• “Memorable Customer Service,” Saturday, 12:30 p.m., presented by The Ritz-Carlton Leadership Center.

• “Healthcare Reform Update,” Saturday, 1:30 p.m., led by two O.D.s in collaboration with the AOA.

INFO: visionexpoeast.com/education/highlights

OWA TO HOST TWO EVENTS, EB EDITOR TO BE HONORED

The Optical Women’s Association (OWA) will honor Amy Spiezio, executive editor of Eyecare Business magazine, and Maureen Cavanagh, president of the Vision Impact Institute, supported by Essilor, for their contributions to optical industry.

They will be honored at the group’s two events: the popular networking event and a new Champagne Breakfast event. The breakfast will be Thursday, March 19 from 7:30 to 9 a.m. at the New York Marriott Marquis, and the traditional Star Award Ceremony and Networking Event will be Friday, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Calvin Klein showroom at 654 Madison Avenue.

Hosted by Luxottica, the Champagne Breakfast will give attendees the opportunity to hear from the honorees as well as keynote speaker Holly Rush, president of Luxottica Wholesale North America.

Spiezio, the Pyxis award honoree, is the executive editor of Eyecare Business magazine and has been with the publication for 13 years. She has served on the OWA board for nine years, acting as the secretary/treasurer for several terms. Her tenure in the organization has included involvement on many committees, particularly communications, mentoring, and the programs committee.

Cavanagh, the Pleiades award honoree, is a strong advocate for women in leadership roles. She currently mentors several women in business and was integral in the launch of the Diversity and Inclusion initiative at Essilor. Cavanagh has served as keynote speaker on topics of inspiring change and was a guest on the Power Hour radio show, advocating on behalf of women taking control of their own career development.

Tickets to the breakfast are $35 (members and non-members), with tables of eight available for $250.

INFO: opticalwomen.com